Austria

India and Austria recently signed several agreements and announcements to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence, trade, technology, education, and culture.

About Austria

Austria is a landlocked and mountainous country located in south-central Europe. The capital city of Austria is Vienna.

Austria shares borders with eight countries:

• Czech Republic in the north

• Slovakia in the northeast

• Hungary in the east

• Slovenia in the south

• Italy in the southwest

• Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the west

• Germany in the northwest

Nearly 70% of Austria’s total area is covered by the Alps mountain ranges, making it one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. The country experiences a temperate and alpine climate.

Rivers and Natural Features

The most important river of Austria is the Danube River. It is approximately 2,850 km long and is the second-longest river in Europe. The river is extremely important for trade, transportation, and commerce across Europe.

Population and Languages

The population of Austria mainly consists of Germans, along with communities of Turks, Serbs, Croats, Slovenes, and Bosnians. Other recognized minorities include Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, and Roma.

The majority of the population speaks German, which is also the official language of the country. Other officially recognized regional languages are Croatian, Hungarian, and Slovene.

Political System

Austria follows a federal parliamentary republic system of government.

• The Chancellor is the head of government.

• The President is the head of state.

The country has a democratic political structure with powers divided between the federal government and regional states.

History of Austria

Early History

The origins of Austria can be traced back to the period of the Roman Empire. Around 15 BC, the Romans conquered a Celtic kingdom in the region, which later became the Roman province of Noricum.

In 788 AD, the Frankish ruler Charlemagne conquered the region and introduced Christianity.

Habsburg Rule

Under the rule of the Habsburg dynasty, Austria emerged as one of the major powers of Europe. The Habsburg rulers expanded Austrian influence across Central Europe for several centuries.

Vienna as the Centre of Classical Music

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Vienna became the centre of classical music and musical innovation in Europe.

Several world-famous composers were associated with Vienna, including:

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• Ludwig van Beethoven

• Joseph Haydn

• Johann Strauss II

Austria-Hungary and World War I

In 1867, the Austrian Empire was reorganized into the Austria-Hungary Empire.

The empire collapsed after the end of World War I in 1918. Following this, the First Austrian Republic was established in 1919.